Week 5- Free Response

I adored the book Daughter of Misfortune! I really enjoyed how the ending wasn't too perfect. I often am bothered when books or movies end with a too happy ending. Life never really works out the way you want it to, so books and movies should reflect real life in this aspect. In Daughter of Fortune Eliza doesn't get everything she expects in life, but things do work out in her favor. She finds a man, finds her family, and finds something to do with her life.

Throughout the book she is always searching for something. Most of the time she is on the road or moving from place to place in order to find what she is looking for. At the very beginning of the book Eliza wonders a lot about where she came from and who her family is. Her thoughts then become overtaken by her boyfriend Joaquin. When he leaves, Eliza stows away to America to find him. As she is on this search across California, she begins to wonder what has become of her life. She feels most at home when taking care of the sick, but even this does not satisfy her. So, on Eliza's trek across California, she tries to find all three of these things and live a fulfilled life.

By the end of the novel Eliza finds all that she is looking for. Although she does find a man, her family, and a purpose in life, none of these things end up how she expected. Eliza wants Joaquin and searches for him for years, but eventually she comes to terms with the fact that she doesn't love him anymore, she only loves the idea of being in love. Once Eliza has this revelation, she stays with Tao Chi'en (who she should have been with all along!). Her purpose in life also becomes apparent. Tao and Eliza find a way to save many young girls' lives. They buy sex slaves and rehabilitate them to live normal lives. Eliza's family comes as a bonus at the end of the book. Eliza seems to be living happily, but little does she know, her aunt (and adoptive mother) is coming to America to find her! It is assumed that Eliza will be reunited with her true family and live happily ever after.

So, all in all, Eliza's life works out quite well. This all happens in an unexpected way, and Eliza will still have trials to face with her dangerous job of saving poor souls and her odd pairing with Tao. Again, I must reiterate how great this book was! I recommend it to anyone interested in a variety of things from romance stories to cowboy tales. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I have!